KARACHI: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that Pakistan will bar passengers carrying incomplete or unverified travel documents from traveling abroad, amid an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration and visa exploitation.
The issue of illegal immigration and its consequences have gained significant attention in Pakistan after the arrest of several Pakistani and foreign nationals at airports with forged documents in recent years.
During a visit to the Karachi airport, Naqvi reviewed the immigration process, met passengers who were traveling abroad and inquired about any difficulties in the process, according to his ministry.
“Passengers with incomplete and unverified documents are not allowed to travel under any circumstances,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by the interior ministry.
Pakistan has also cracked down on individuals accused of exploiting visas to solicit money in Saudi Arabia, a practice officials warned was damaging the country’s image and could affect genuine visa-seekers.
Naqvi said Pakistan’s honor was above everything and no one will be allowed to tarnish the country’s image under any circumstances.
“No passenger with valid documents has been or will be stopped from traveling,” he reassured.
